Sencha Green Tea Shot Review

A Healthier You in 2013

May 2013 be your healthiest, happiest year!

Whatever your New Year’s resolutions might be, we know how difficult it is to keep them. Research shows that late January signals the trailing off of fitness club visits, healthy eating commitments, and vows to live with less stress.

Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions with These 5 Steps:

1. Do it for you.

The most important part of change is your will to do so. If you change for someone else, you will most likely find it harder to maintain your intention to change. Do what you want to do. Do it for you. You deserve it.

2. Be realistic: change one thing at a time.

Keep it simple and change one thing at a time. It is challenging enough to change one behavior, and taking on too much can disperse your focus and motivation. Stay focused on one change, and follow through. Through your success, you will find the energy and belief in yourself to do anything you set your mind to!

3. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Before January 1st, write a list of everything you are grateful for. You might want to change something, but focus on the many things that you love, and appreciate. A focus on gratitude gives you strength and a love for yourself that makes it easier to change what you find undesirable. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself when you succeed, AND when you fail. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

4. Make a plan.

Create a plan of action to reach your goal. If you want to eat healthier food, you might create a healthier weekly meal plan. Shop when you are feeling full and content, and choose your groceries carefully. Research healthy, easy recipes online, and create action steps for your success. It may be helpful to consult a nutritionist, or enroll friends and family in your plan so they can support you along the way.

5. Recommit to your goal each day.

One of the biggest challenges for maintaining and reaching goals is to remember the goal. It sounds silly, but the human mind is forgetful, easily distracted, and loves to make excuses. Leave a note with your goal by your bedside, and read it twice daily, morning and evening. Ask yourself if you still want this goal, and recommit to it daily. This will keep your goal top of mind throughout your day, and throughout your state of rest.

Ito En Healthy Living Tip for 2013

HEALTH IN A CAN – quick, strong and invigorating

Instead of your usual morning coffee, we recommend SENCHA SHOT, the Japanese equivalent of an espresso shot - highly antioxidant green tea in a can. You’ll find this tasty beverage quick, strong, invigorating and healthy! With 152 millgrams of the powerful tea polyhenol-Catechin,this green tea has depth of flavor, body, and a robust mouthfeel. Even espresso-lovers will become fans. For a milder flavor, try our Oolong Shot.

So let me tell you  about my experience with these green tea shots.  I will be honest.  The first time I drank one, I almost couldn't get it down.  There is no sweetener added, and I am not a fan of tea without sweetener.  The drink did give me energy, but I wasn't sure I ever wanted to try them again.

Well, the joys of being a blogger--I knew I had to!  So I decided this time to mix the tea shot with something else I had on hand.  I happened to have a little fruit-flavored drink packet, and so this is what I did.  I poured the tea shot into a glass, mixed a little water, and added the drink packet.  And guess what!  It was pretty good!  So here is what I recommend.  If you don't like the first taste, mix it with a drink packet or fruit juice, or maybe just add some sweetener.  The tea has good flavor.  It just needs something else, in my opinion.


Website: www.ItoEn.com
Pin on Pinterest - www.Pinterest.com/ITOEN
Connect on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ITOEN
Connect on Twitter- www.twitter.com/ITO_EN

ITO EN is a company, who cares about the environment and social responsibility. They recycle their used tea leaves from production and upcycle them to make park benches, uniforms, pens and more. They work with Whole Foods Non-profit Whole planet to alleviate poverty in the developing worlds, and much more. Link to more information: http://www.itoen.com/responsibility

Promo code for 20% off for my readers only - use promo code: NewU13

Promocode is also good for the Oolong Shot, and the Fiber Shot. All ITO EN Shots here:

https://www.itoen.com/ito-en-shot.html

*Sencha means green tea in Japanese.

https://www.itoen.com/sencha-shot.html


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

New Year's Drink Station Giveaway (Ends 12/23) U.S.

Welcome to the New Years Drink Station Giveaway!

Hosted by Jenn's Blah Blah Blog & Pink Ninja Media Co-Hosts Simply Shawn & Jenn, Pink Ninja Blogger, Moms Vacation Spots, and Happy Home and Family. 

What a way to begin the new year!  2012 is almost over and as long as the Mayan Calendar is wrong (I'm not too worried), we will be entering 2013, and you could be entering it with a new drink station!  It will be the hit of your party on December 31 and every party thereafter!

One Lucky person will win a Nostalgia Frozen Beverage Station!

This all-in-one frozen drink machine will make perfect slush drinks, margaritas, daiquiris, smoothies and more every time! Perfect for your New Years Eve Bash! The two ice shaving options allow you to choose a fine or coarse shaved ice texture. Making one or multiple servings is easy, with the serving sizes indicated right on the pitcher. Use the included recipes to make delicious drinks, or create your own. With the Frozen Beverage Station, making refreshing icy drinks is fun and easy! Giveaway will begin on November 25, 2012 12:01am EST and run until December 23, 2012 11:59pm EST. Giveaway is open to US residents only and you must be 18 years or older to enter. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for shipping prize to winner, nor did I accept any form of compensation for this promoting this giveaway. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email, so please look for these emails.

Soda Stream Giveaway (ends 10/30) U.S.

Welcome to a fabulous SodaStream Giveaway!

I am so excited to be paritcipating in this fantastic giveaway!  I got to review this not so long ago.  Read my review here.

One Lucky Winner will receive a SodaStream Jet Fountain Starter Kit, which includes:

• Fountain Jet Home Soda Maker
• 1 60 liter Carbonator
• 1 Carbonating Bottle
• 3 SodaMix Flavors (you choose the flavors)
• Sodamix Variety 6 Pack.

This is exactly what I got to review, so this is something you will want to win.  If you have not tried SodaStream, you are missing out!  Read on about how to enter!

Giveaway Details

• Giveaway will run from Sept 30, 2012 until Oct 30, 2012
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• US residents only
• Use the Rafflecopter below to enter.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This blog did not accept any money for promoting this giveaway, nor are we responsible for shipping prize to winner.

Sponsor Spotlight: Glass Dharma, The Original Glass Straw

So how many of you out there like straws?  I know I do, and so does my daughter.  Every time you go out to eat, you get those wonderful plastic straws that are thrown away later, adding to the landfill problem of our world.  And inevitably, my daughter or I will get the straw that is broken, and you have to wait forever to get another one!  When at home, you might be surprised if you saw me, but I have been known to miss my mouth when drinking something--especially something that is very thick like a smoothie or a frozen coffee.  Plastic straws are nice but are not always the easiest nor the cheapest to keep on hand.

Let me introduce you to a wonderful company:  Glass Dharma.  They are the makers of the original glass straw.  They have been around since 2007, and they have continued their steady growth.  At the beginning of this year, their shipping numbers were 200,000 worldwide.  That sounds pretty good, but their goal is much loftier.  They want to provide glass straws to two percent of the world's population which works out to be about six million straws!

When I first heard about glass straws a couple year ago, I will admit that I was skeptical at best.  Glass Dharma was that company, and I just couldn't believe that someone would use a product like this.  In fact, the only reason I got a chance to try them was that I won a giveaway.  My mom was skeptical as well, but we were both willing to try them.

If you look at this picture, you can see the lovely glass jar/vase in which we now store our glass straws.  Do you think we have become believers?  Oh yes!  My mom and I both absolutely love to drink our frozen coffees and more with these straws, and we honestly don't know what we did without them!  My daughter loves the smaller ones.  In fact, I think she was the first one to try them.

Some people might wonder why I would want to use a glass straw?  Well, there are the obvious reasons--recycling, landfill, environmentalism.  But let me tell you some things about these straws.  It is fun to drink with them.  And you know how some plastic straws are too skinny when you are drinking something thick?  These glass straws come in various sizes, and they have straws that are wide enough to allow you to drink those thick drinks.  In fact, I even use them to stir up my drink because they are sturdy enough.  Could a plastic straw ever do that?

You may be wondering how strong they are.  Well, they do not easily break, but I will tell you a story.  I did break one recently.  I felt so horrible because these are such beautiful straws, and I was reviewing them.  But then I remembered the guarantee by the company.  I have the pieces ( I can tell you that the glass did not shatter--which was nice) in a box almost ready to ship back to the company, and as long as I pay the shipping, they will replace it!  Caution--this does not mean that you "test" these straws by trying to break them.  Don't abuse this guarantee because as far as I am concerned, this is going far above the call of duty.

Right now, these glass straws are only available in selected stores and online.  You can check out that information here.  And you can check out their FAQ's here.

Bottom line, I highly recommend Glass Dharma's glass straws.  They have all sorts of designs and sizes.  I would recommend getting one of their cleaning brushes to go with them.  Some straws come with those, and some don't.  While it is generally easy to clean these without a straw, if you drink a smoothie or something you like that, the cleaning brush does help.  And I highly recommend the Bend Straws.  They are my ultimate favorites!  My mom prefers the Simple Elegance.  And my daughter loves the Decorative Dots.  You can see all the different sizes and styles on their site.

And while you're checking all that out, you will want to follow them via social media:
https://www.facebook.com/GlassDharma
https://plus.google.com/117312300178317646040/posts
http://pinterest.com/glassdharma/
https://twitter.com/glassdharma

Also be looking for a giveaway from this company starting a little later on tonight!

I was sent free products from Glass Dharma in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Two Leaves Tea Company Review

As fall is coming upon us, soon the cold weather will return, and it will be time to think about hot drinks, warm blankets, and fireplaces.  If it still looks like summer outside, you may not be ready to think about this time, but it will be here before we know it.

While I like coffee and hot chocolate, there are many nights when nothing sounds better than a cup of tea.  I wasn't always a tea drinker.  My friend from England is the one who got me hooked.  And I will tell you that I am discriminating about the tea I drink.  Not all teas are created equal.

In 2005, a new tea company was born.  The founder of Two Leaves Tea company looked high and low for good tea, and he found it in China, Sri Lanka, and Japan.  He went to these countries and developed relationships with tea growers.  His company is committed to bringing its customers only the finest whole-leaf tea to his customers.  And this company has been the recipient of several prestigious awards to recognize their amazing tea.

I was sent two very special teas to review.


This was the first tea I reviewed--

Paisley Tea Co. Organic English Breakfast

I have tried several different "English Breakfast Teas" in the course of my life, but I am usually disappointed.  From the moment I drank this, I was hooked!  The flavor was strong and satisfying.  It is by far the best of this variety that I have tried, and it almost rivals the good quality tea I have had in England.

I also tried this tea:

Paisley Tea Co. Organic Decaf English Breakfast Tea

I honestly could not tell any real difference in flavors between this and the regular.  Sometimes decaf does not taste as good, but this was not the case.  It may have been a bit milder, but it was still very good.

For anyone who likes tea, this is definitely a company to investigate.  They even have a reward program that gives you points for various tasks on their site!  For those of you who prefer iced tea, tea gifts, loose tea, and more, you will be sure to find something for you and/or a friend.  So I strongly recommend you visit their site today before the cold weather comes!

Once you visit their site, you will want to be sure to follow them on facebook and twitter to keep up with all their products and deals!  Oh, and be sure to watch out for a giveaway coming up soon!

I was sent products from Two Leaves Tea Company in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Healthy To Go Brands Review--Smoothie Complete

I am always looking for healthy snacks and drinks.  I am one who adopted a healthy lifestyle years ago because I was tired of being overweight.  I have kept off the weight all this time, and anything that helps me keep off the weight (and hopefully lose a few more pounds) is always a good thing.

I had heard of Healthy To Go! Brands before, but I had never had a chance to try their products.  They have all sorts of snacks, drinks, and more to keep you healthy when you are "on the go."  And, of course, that is how my life is!  I am rarely able to sit down and enjoy a snack.  My meals are often eaten on the run as well.  This company is certainly one that understands my needs!

Because the item that I had requested was out of stock for some time--Smoothie Complete--the company sent me samples of several other items as well along with a full-sized container of the product I had requested.  The focus of this review will be the Smoothie Complete.

When I tried the Smoothie Complete, I basically followed the directions.  I put the powder in the blender with ice, yogurt, half a banana, and water.  When I first tasted it, I did have to add some honey to it--it was a little bitter.  My mom and I both drank the finished product, and we have several comment about it.  Indeed, it was drinkable, and it was even somewhat filling.  I could taste the strawberry flavor, but the whey protein was a little strong.  It was better than some "diet shakes" I have drunk in the past, but I will not say it was my favorite.  I am glad to see that there are recipes on the site, and I think that would be the way to try these smoothies.  

I do want to mention the other items I got to try.  The Green Tea To Go was absolutely out of this world!  I put that packet in a bottle of water, shook it up, and I was amazed at the flavor--the best green tea I have ever tasted!  That is something I could buy and drink regularly.  I also tried the Vita Rocks when my energy was lagging at the end of last week, and I was amazed at the wonderful flavor (I thought I was eating flavored sugar), and I really did get a boost of energy as a result of eating it.

What is the verdict?  I am going to give the smoothie another try, but I definitely want to invest in their other products.  And I think that is the important thing to remember.  Not everyone will like every product that Healthy To Go! Brands produces.  However, they have such a wide variety of products that I think everyone can find something that they really like.

This company is such a fantastic company that you will want to follow them on facebook, twitter, pinterest, and youtube.

As a member of Karma Media I received this product from (insert company name) in hopes of obtaining a review. All opinions are my own.

Zevia All Natural Soda Review and Giveaway (Ends 6/19) U.S./Canada

For as long as I can remember (almost), I have been a diet soda pop junkie.  Okay, I grew up in Washington state, and I said pop all my life.  I married a Midwesterner with Southern roots, and I began to say soda.  When I moved back up to Washington state, I tried to say pop again, but I often say soda pop now.  So whatever you call it is fine with me!

When I got the opportunity to review Zevia All Natural Soda, I was so excited.  A couple years ago, I got won a giveaway from them, but I kind of forgot about them because the product was not readily available in the stores where I live.  I reviewed 6 flavors:  Dr. Zevia, Mountain Zevia, Ginger Root Beer, Strawberry, Black Cherry, and Grapefruit Citrus.  

I am one who normally drinks diet soda with Nutra Sweet or Splenda several times a week.  What I love most about Zevia is that the flavor is natural, and it still has no calories.  I lost a good 50 pounds several years ago, and so I have to really watch what I eat and drink.  

I have read many reviews of Zevia that say that the flavor was not good enough or it was not sweet enough.  As I began drinking these sodas, I thought about why people might think this.  First of all, if you don't like diet soda, you may not like Zevia.  I feel Zevia is better than diet soda, but it is not the same as regular, sugar-sweetened soda.  Secondly, if you are used to artificially flavored soda, you may find Zevia different.  You may not find the flavor as intense, but isn't is nice to know that you are drinking natural soda?

If you haven't already guessed, I am a Zevia fan.  Of the six flavors I reviewed, the only one I did not particularly care for was the Ginger Root Beer.  My favorite was Mountain Zevia--definitely better than Mountain Dew!  I found that this soda was better and sweeter than I remembered.  

Oh, that's right, I forgot to tell you that these drinks are sweetened with Stevia.  It is an all-natural sugar substitute, and it is something that I hope more manufacturers begin to use.  I generally find that Stevia packets are not very sweet, but when used in a commercial product, I always find I like it.  And Zevia is no exception!

One problem I find with Zeva is that it is hard to find in the local stores. Be sure to use their store locator to see if it is sold at a store near you, and if it is not, be sure to request it.  And you can always find it on amazon.  If you are one who watches what you eat and drink, you will find that Zevia has what you are looking for!  Be sure to like them on facebook, follow them on twitter, and even follow them on pinterest!

The good news is that the people over at Zevia want you to get a chance to try their soda for yourself.  In fact, they are giving away a total of 12 free 6-pack coupons!  All you need to do is enter by 9:00 P.M. Pacific time June 19--fill out the rafflecopter form.  And then be sure to check out the other reviews by other bloggers:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


As a member of Karma Media I received this product from (insert company name) in hopes of obtaining a review. All opinions are my own.

Shakeology Protein Drink Review

As the weather has gotten hotter, I find I do not drink as many hot drinks as I once did.  And nothing tastes better in the middle of the afternoon than something cold and refreshing.  And it would be nice if it gave me a nice energy boost.  


Enter Shakeology, the healthiest meal of the day.  From their website: "This patent-pending daily nutritional shake helps your body gently eliminate toxins more efficiently while allowing for better absorption of the essential nutrients you need."  This drink will not only help you lose weight, but it will give you energy.  


I was sent two sample packets, one chocolate and one tropical strawberry.  I will admit that I have not tried the strawberry yet, but I am absolutely smitten with the chocolate!  I tried it this afternoon using the dessert recipe found here, and my mom and I loved it!  I was expecting it to have a flavor that was not quite as good-tasting as it was.  After all, it is a health drink.  But the flavor was fantastic, and it truly gave me an energy boost.


I will be honest.  I would not use these as a meal replacement, but they make a fantastic afternoon snack.  I might use one of the shakes as a breakfast, but I could not replace my lunch or dinner.   They would also make an unbelievable dessert!  No need for ice cream!!


So be sure to check out Shakeology--you will not be sorry!  And when you check out these fantastic shakes, you will also discover Team Beachbody.  


I was sent a sample of the product with no expectations whatsoever.  I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.  

This Day in History May 8, 1885

Earth-shattering news today!  On this date in 1886, the first Coca Cola was sold!  yes!  Let me hear you cheer!  Coke!  Coke!  Okay, I am a Diet Coke fan, but this drink has been around a long time.  Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton was searching for a cure for headache and exhaustion.  Sadly, this inventor died but two years later.  But his famous drink is still going strong all these years later!

So, enjoy a coke today.  Or if you are in the south, figure out what flavor of coke you would like.  Okay, that  is not just a Southern thing--I know.  This comes from the woman who is often told she has a Texan accent though I sound just like I always have (and I grew up in Washington state).

For more information, check out:
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/gilded/jb_gilded_cocacola_1.html
http://inhistorytoday.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/coca-cola-celebrates-125-years/
http://www.solarnavigator.net/sponsorship/coca_cola.htm

Slap Koozies - Like the 80's slap bracelet, but for your beverage Review

The SlapKooler™ band is a banded 'slap koozie' beverage insulator that you can 'slap' on your can, bottle, arm, leg, friends, or people you just meet. Many people call it a 'slap koozie' or a 'slap wrap', but we call the SlapKooler^TM the next generation of awesome. Dual metal recoiling bands slap the neoprene koozie insulator around your can or bottle, just as it's appeal wraps itself around your heart!


I was so pleased to review Slap Koozies.  I am a coffee drinker, and I love those cardboard sleeves they give you at the coffee shop.  I often burn my fingers by picking up a cup that is too hot on the outside.  I have even been known to drop my coffee cup if it's too hot.  


I absolutely loved the feeling of this Slap Koozie!  It was easy to put on my cup, and it was very comfortable to hold.  I could not feel the heat through it, and I felt very secure in holding my cup.  I never had to write my name on it, but I can see where that would be a good thing if you were having a party or something like that.  It was equally as easy to remove.


I would certainly recommend this product to all of the coffee drinkers out there!  You won't regret it!

Twelve Days of Christmas Day Four Wyler's Light Singles to Go--4 Winners (Ends 12/14) WW

We are now well into our Twelve Days of Christmas.  It is already day four--can you believe it?  I actually will have four winners for this.  I have two boxes of Wyler's Light Singles to Go in Cool Raspberry and two boxes of Wyler's Light Singles to Go in Lemonade.  Each box has eight packets, and they only have five calories per each one.  All you do is dump a packet into a bottle of water, shake it up, and there is a nice, sweet drink!  Great way to treat yourself when you are trying to reduce calories.  It is sweetened with nutra-sweet.  Winners will get to choose the flavor (as long as it is available).  

So, you know the drill.  Put your entries in the rafflecopter form.  The giveaway is open internationally, and it will end 9 P.M. Pacific time on December 14.    And don't forget to enter the other giveaways.

Healthy Chocolate! Drink Mayesa! Review and Giveaway (Ends 12/9) U.S. (closed)

 I was so privileged to have the opportunity to review a fantastic chocolate drink.  If anyone knows me, they know I absolutely must have my chocolate!  I watch very carefully what I eat and drink, but I have chocolate at least once a day.  And I don't generally even worry if that chocolate is healthy.  What a relief to find a drink that meets the qualification to be called healthy chocolate.

I was sent two flavors--the original cacao original and cacao mint.  The company could not have sent me anything better.  I love chocolate, and I love chocolate mint.  And neither disappoints.  The flavor is fantastic--it doesn't taste like some kind of health drink that you can barely "chug" down.  The flavor is smooth and rich.  I actually had no idea they were dairy and soy free.  The drink is so creamy and smooth.  The mint flavor is also gluten-free.  The drinks are loaded with Omega 3 and 6, and they are quite energizing.  My only complaint is that the calorie count is a little high.  But when you realize that it can take the place of a snack, 130 calories isn't too bad.  My daughter did not try these, but I think she would like them as well.

So the next time that you want chocolate, skip the candy bars and the "healthy" snack bars that are loaded with stuff you don't want.  Instead, pick up Mayesa and have a healthy chocolate drink.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Now, to the exciting news.  The company has agreed to give away a 6-pack of these drinks to one of my U.S. readers.  Be sure to fill out the rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway will end December 9 at 9 P.M. Pacific Time.

So be sure to enter!  If you love chocolate, this drink is for you!